Definition
贪 (tān) is a versatile word meaning 'greedy' (adjective) or 'to covet' (verb). It is the core character in compounds like 贪婪 (greedy, avaricious — more formal and intense) and 贪污 (to embezzle — specific to official corruption). As a standalone word, 贪 is broader and more colloquial than these compounds.
verb
to covetto be greedy for (e.g., money, pleasure)
adjective
greedycorrupt
Easily confused
- 含hánlook-aliketo keep in the mouth
- 谈tánsound-aliketo talk; to discuss
- 念niànlook-aliketo read aloud; to recite
- 探tànsound-aliketo explore; to scout; to reconnoiter
- 琴qínlook-alikeguqin (ancient Chinese zither)
- 弹tánsound-aliketo play (a stringed or keyboard instrument) by pressing or plucking
- 摊tānsound-alike(verb) to spread out, to unfold
- 痰tánsound-alikephlegm
- 炭tànsound-alikecharcoal (wood charcoal)
- 瘫tānsound-aliketo be paralyzed (of a body part)
Examples
- 。Tā cónglái bù tān tú xiǎo biànyì.He never covets small advantages.
- 贪，。Zhège lǎobǎn tài tān le, yuángōng dōu shòubuliǎo.This boss is too greedy; the employees can't stand it.
- 。Dǎjī tān guān shì fǎnfǔ de zhòngdiǎn.Cracking down on corrupt officials is a key part of the anti-corruption effort.
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